Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (02-12-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Disaster Management: Cyclone Fengal makes landfall over Puducherry: What are tropical cyclones? |
| Economy: Govt mulls change in base year to 2022-23 from 2011-12 for computation of GDP |
| Union govt proposes increase in FDI limit in insurance sector to 100% |
| Polity and Governance: SC mandates prior sanction to prosecute public servants under PMLA: What this means, its implications |
| Science and Technology: India’s cities, their non-communicable disease burden |
| Environment and Ecology: Plastic treaty talks fail over disagreement on production cuts |
Cyclone Fengal makes landfall over Puducherry: What are tropical cyclones?
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/cyclone-fengal-type-9698835/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Disaster Management
Context: Cyclone Fengal
Why in News
Cyclone Fengal, a tropical cyclone, caused heavy rains and strong winds in Tamil Nadu, disrupting daily life and prompting safety measures.
What is a Cyclone?
A cyclone is a large-scale air system that rotates around a central low-pressure area.
- Rotation:
- Northern Hemisphere: Winds rotate anticlockwise.
- Southern Hemisphere: Winds rotate clockwise.
- Accompanying Weather: Cyclones are associated with violent storms, heavy rains, and severe weather conditions.
Types of Cyclones
- Extratropical Cyclones
- Location: Occur in temperate regions, typically outside the tropics (mid-latitudes).
- Core Temperature: Have a cold core.
- Energy Source: Derived from the interaction of cold and warm air masses. When warm, moist air meets cool, dry air, potential energy is released, driving the storm.
- Structure: Always have one or more fronts, which are boundaries between air masses of different temperatures. Commonly associated with cold fronts and warm fronts.
- Occurrence: Can form over both land and ocean.
- Impact: Often cause heavy rainfall, snow, and strong winds over wide areas.
- Tropical Cyclones
- Location: Develop between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn over warm ocean waters.
- Core Temperature: Have a warm core.
- Energy Source:
- Gain energy from latent heat released when water vapor evaporates from the ocean and condenses into liquid water.
- No fronts (warm or cold) are involved.
- Structure:
- Organized thunderstorm activity around the center of circulation.
- The strongest winds and rains are concentrated near the center, forming a distinct eye.
- Impact:
- Considered the most devastating storms due to high winds, storm surges, and flooding.
- Cause widespread damage to life, infrastructure, and the environment.
Different Names of Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are referred to by different names depending on their location:
- Hurricanes:
- Location: Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, North Atlantic Ocean, and eastern/central North Pacific Ocean.
- Typhoons:
- Location: Western North Pacific Ocean.
- Cyclones:
- Location: Indian Ocean and South Pacific Ocean.
- Willy-willies:
- Location: Australia.
Cyclone Fengal: A Case Study
Cyclone Fengal, classified as a tropical cyclone, made landfall over Puducherry on November 30, causing heavy rains and strong winds across Tamil Nadu. Its formation was fueled by warm ocean waters and latent heat processes typical of tropical storms.
- Impact:
- Flight operations were suspended.
- Holidays were declared for educational institutions.
- IT companies advised employees to work from home, ensuring safety during the adverse weather.
- Cyclones like Fengal highlight the need for robust disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies to minimize damage.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. With reference to Cyclones, consider the following statements:
1. Extratropical cyclones derive their energy from the interaction of cold and warm air masses and are always associated with fronts. 2. Tropical cyclones have a cold core and develop over both land and ocean. 3. Tropical cyclones in the western North Pacific Ocean are called hurricanes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
Q. In the South Atlantic and South-Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the reason? (2015)
(a) Sea surface temperatures are low Ans: (b)
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| Answer – 1 – A
Explanation –
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Govt mulls change in base year to 2022-23 from 2011-12 for computation of GDP
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: Change in GDP Base Year and Its Implications
Why in News
India plans to update the GDP base year to 2022-23 by February 2026 to reflect structural changes in the economy and enhance data accuracy.
Overview
- The Government of India plans to revise the base year for GDP computation to 2022-23, with implementation slated for February 2026.
- This update is crucial for providing a more accurate representation of the economy’s structure and performance.
What is the GDP Base Year?
The GDP base year serves as a reference point for measuring the economy’s size and growth. It is the year against which current economic data is compared to calculate real GDP, which adjusts for inflation.
- Current Base Year: 2011-12 (last revised over a decade ago).
- Proposed Base Year: 2022-23, to better reflect the current economic realities.
Why Update the Base Year?
- Reflecting Economic Changes:
- Captures shifts in consumption patterns, such as increased spending on digital services and technology.
- Accounts for changes in sectoral contributions, including the rise of sectors like renewable energy and e-commerce.
- Improving Accuracy:
- Incorporates new sectors and industries that have emerged in the economy.
- Updates the weight of sectors in GDP to reflect their actual contribution.
- Aligning with Global Practices:
- Regular updates ensure comparability with international GDP metrics.
- Enhances the credibility of India’s economic data.
- Supporting Policy Decisions:
- Accurate GDP data aids in better economic planning and policymaking.
Role of the Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS)
The 26-member ACNAS, chaired by Biswanath Goldar, is tasked with overseeing the base year revision.
- Responsibilities:
- Compiling and analyzing updated economic data.
- Assessing the impact of structural changes in the economy.
- Ensuring the new base year captures current trends and patterns effectively.
- Timeline: Completion expected by early 2026.
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Monthly Estimates
From January 2025, the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) will release monthly estimates of the PLFS.
- Significance:
- Provides up-to-date information on employment trends.
- Helps policymakers address unemployment and labor market challenges effectively.
Economic Census and Data Governance Initiatives
- Economic Census:
- The MoSPI is preparing for a new economic census to gather comprehensive data on businesses and employment.
- Data-Driven Decision Making:
- Promoting policies based on robust data analysis to improve governance outcomes.
- Data Governance:
- Uniform guidelines are proposed to streamline data collection and usage.
Challenges Highlighted
- Resistance from Affluent Neighborhoods:
- Surveyors face difficulties collecting data in wealthy areas due to non-cooperation.
- Data Gaps:
- Ensuring accurate data collection remains a challenge in a diverse and complex economy like India.
Conclusion
- Updating the GDP base year to 2022-23 is a significant step toward enhancing the accuracy and relevance of India’s economic data.
- Coupled with initiatives like monthly PLFS estimates and better data governance, this move will support informed decision-making and align India’s statistical systems with global standards.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2 With reference to the revision of the GDP base year in India, consider the following statements:
1. The current base year for GDP computation in India is 2011-12. 2. The proposed new base year for GDP computation is 2022-23, which will be implemented by February 2026. 3. Updating the base year ensures that GDP calculations reflect changes in consumption patterns, sectoral contributions, and emerging sectors. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
Q. A rapid increase in the rate of inflation is sometimes attributed to the “base effect”. What is “base effect”? (2011)
(a) It is the impact of drastic deficiency in supply due to failure of crops (b) It is the impact of the surge in demand due to rapid economic growth (c) It is the impact of the price levels of previous years on the calculation of inflation rate (d) None of the statements (a), (b) and (c) given above is correct in this context Ans: (c)
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| Answer 2– D
Explanation –
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Union govt proposes increase in FDI limit in insurance sector to 100%
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/business/insurance-sector-fdi-limit-union-govt-proposal-9697461/
UPSC Relevance: GS3 Economy
Context: Proposal to Raise FDI Limit in India’s Insurance Sector
Why in News
The government proposes raising the FDI limit in the insurance sector to 100% to boost capital inflow, enhance accessibility, and align with global practices.
Key Highlights of the Event
- The Union Finance Ministry has proposed increasing the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)limit in the insurance sector from the current 74% to 100%.
- This move aims to boost capital inflow into the sector, expand insurance accessibility, and foster industry growth.
Historical Context
- FDI Evolution in Insurance:
- The FDI limit in the insurance sector was raised from 49% to 74% in February 2021.
- The latest proposal for 100% FDI marks a significant policy shift to attract foreign investment.
- Legislative Review:
- A comprehensive review of insurance laws has been conducted in consultation with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) and industry stakeholders.
Proposed Amendments
- Increase in FDI Limit:
- The proposal includes raising the FDI cap in Indian insurance companies to 100%, allowing complete foreign ownership.
- Flexibility in Insurance Business:
- Insurers may be permitted to carry out multiple classes of insurance and related activities, simplifying business processes.
- Lower Net Owned Funds Requirement:
- The minimum net-owned funds required for foreign reinsurers may be reduced from ₹5,000 crore to ₹1,000 crore.
- This aims to attract more foreign reinsurers to the Indian market.
- Lower Entry Capital for Special Cases:
- IRDAI may be empowered to set lower entry capital requirements (not below ₹50 crore) for underserved or unserved segments, promoting inclusivity.
Rationale Behind the Proposal
- Capital Requirements:
- The insurance sector is capital-intensive, requiring an estimated ₹50,000 crore annually to meet growth targets.
- Increased FDI would help meet the sector’s capital needs and support the ambitious “Insurance for All by 2047” vision.
- Improving Insurance Penetration:
- Insurance penetration (ratio of insurance premiums to GDP) is currently at 4% (FY23), down from 4.2% in FY22.
- Life insurance penetration: Dropped from 3.2% in FY22 to 3% in FY23.
- Non-life insurance penetration: Flat at 1% during the same period.
- Enhanced foreign investment is expected to increase penetration by expanding coverage and services.
- Insurance penetration (ratio of insurance premiums to GDP) is currently at 4% (FY23), down from 4.2% in FY22.
- Economic Survey Insights:
- As per the Economic Survey 2023-24, the insurance sector needs reforms to double its penetration rate and align with global benchmarks.
- Global Standards:
- Many developed nations permit 100% foreign ownership in their insurance sectors, enhancing competitiveness and innovation.
Current State of India’s Insurance Sector
- Market Composition:
- There are 25 life insurers, including the state-run Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
- 34 general insurance companies operate in the non-life segment.
- Challenges:
- Low penetration rates compared to global averages.
- Capital constraints in meeting sectoral growth and inclusion goals.
Potential Benefits of the Proposal
- Increased Capital Inflow: 100% FDI would attract significant foreign investment, enabling insurers to expand operations.
- Expansion of Coverage: Enhanced resources could help insurers penetrate rural and underserved markets.
- Global Expertise: Full foreign ownership might bring in advanced technologies, management practices, and innovative insurance products.
- Job Creation: Sectoral growth is expected to generate employment opportunities.
Concerns and Challenges
- Market Dominance by Foreign Players: Complete foreign ownership may lead to the marginalization of domestic players.
- Regulatory Oversight: Increased foreign participation necessitates robust regulatory mechanisms to ensure consumer protection.
- Data Privacy: Concerns about handling sensitive customer data by foreign entities.
Conclusion
- The proposal to raise the FDI limit in the insurance sector to 100% reflects the government’s commitment to making insurance accessible, boosting capital inflows, and aligning India’s financial sector with global practices.
- If implemented effectively, it can transform the insurance industry and contribute significantly to economic growth. However, addressing concerns about domestic participation and regulatory oversight will be critical.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. With reference to the recent proposal to increase the FDI limit in India’s insurance sector, consider the following statements:
1. The current FDI limit in the insurance sector is 74%. 2. The proposal includes reducing the Net Owned Funds requirement for foreign reinsurers to ₹1,000 crore. 3. Insurance penetration in India has steadily increased in recent years, reaching 6% in FY23. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
Q. Consider the following: (2021)
Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments? (a) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (a)
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| Answer 3– A
Explanation –
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SC mandates prior sanction to prosecute public servants under PMLA: What this means, its implications
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS2 Polity and Governance
Context: Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)
Why in News
The Supreme Court’s November 6, 2024 ruling mandates that the Enforcement Directorate must obtain prior government sanction to prosecute public servants on money laundering charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Overview
- The Supreme Court (SC) ruling on November 6, 2024, regarding the requirement of prior sanction to prosecute public servants under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) marks a significant development in the legal landscape surrounding the prosecution of public officials.
Prior Sanction Provision:
- The prior sanction provisionrefers to the requirement under certain laws for the government to grant permission before legal action (such as prosecution) can be initiated against public servants. This provision is found in:
- Section 197(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC):It prohibits courts from taking cognizance (starting legal proceedings) of offenses committed by public servants (judges, magistrates, government officers) during the discharge of their official duties, unless prior sanction is obtained from the government.
Section 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS):
- It contains a similar requirement for public servants.
- The rationale behind this provision is to protect public servants from harassment or frivolous prosecution, ensuring that they can perform their duties without the fear of legal consequences for actions taken in good faith. However, it doesn’t shield them from prosecution in cases involving serious crimes, such as sexual offenses or human trafficking.
Scope of the Prior Sanction Provision:
- The provision doesn’t apply universally to all actions taken by public servants but only to those performed while discharging official duties. For example:
- Devinder Singh v. State of Punjab (2016):The SC emphasized that the provision was intended to protect honest officers but not to cover acts where public servants misuse their power for criminal activities.
- This means that if a public servant is accused of a crime committed outside the scope of their official duties, or if they misused their position, the requirement for prior sanction may not apply.
SC’s Recent Ruling on PMLA:
- On November 6, 2024, the SC ruled for the first time that Section 197(1) of the CrPC applies to offenses under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This means that prior sanctionfrom the government is required before the Enforcement Directorate (ED) can prosecute public servants on money laundering charges, if those charges are connected to actions taken in the discharge of their official duties.
- The ruling arose from the case of IAS officers Bibhu Prasad Acharya and Adityanath Das, who were facing money laundering charges. The SC upheld a 2019 order by the Telangana High Court, which had set aside the trial court’s decision to take cognizance of the case, citing that prior sanction was necessary due to the accused being public servants.
- The SC noted that although the PMLA does not explicitly mention the requirement for prior sanction, Section 65 of the PMLAmakes provisions of the CrPC applicable unless they are inconsistent with the PMLA. The Court found no inconsistency, and therefore, prior sanction was deemed necessary.
- The ruling is based on the understanding that the accused were public servants and that their alleged actions were linked to the discharge of their official duties.
Impact of the SC Ruling on Public Servants:
- This ruling has significant implications, particularly for high-profile public servants, including politicians and bureaucrats, who face charges under PMLA. For example:
- Arvind Kejriwal(Delhi CM) and P Chidambaram (Congress MP and former Finance Minister) have used this SC ruling to challenge their ongoing trials in the Delhi High Court, arguing that prior sanction was not obtained for the prosecution.
- In Chidambaram’s case, the trial court had taken cognizance of charges related to the Aircel-Maxis casein 2021, but Chidambaram’s defense argues that the trial court should not have proceeded without prior sanction.
- Kejriwal’s case, involving allegations related to the excise policy scam, is also being contested on similar grounds, with the argument that the charges should not proceed without the sanction required under the CrPC.
Prior Sanction in Other Laws:
- Apart from the CrPC, other laws like the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA)also mandate prior sanction to prosecute public servants. Section 19(1) of the PCA requires government approval to prosecute public officials for offenses such as accepting bribes.
- Section 17A of the PCA(introduced in 2018) expands this requirement to include the decision-making process of public officials in the discharge of their official duties. This means that any investigation or prosecution based on these decisions must have prior government approval.
- In Kejriwal’s case, it was argued that the CBIhad filed charges against him in the excise policy case only after obtaining prior sanction under the PCA, which underscores the importance of this provision in safeguarding public servants.
Impact on ED Cases Involving Public Servants:
- The ruling will likely affect the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) cases involving public servants. While investigations into money laundering can continue, cognizance of chargesby the trial court may be halted unless the ED can provide proof that prior sanction has been obtained.
- This will give public servants additional legal ground to challenge prosecutions under the PMLA, particularly in cases where the alleged offenses are connected to their official duties. It may slow down the process of prosecuting public servants in money laundering cases, as the ED will need to secure government sanction before moving forward.
Conclusion:
- The Supreme Court’s ruling marks a significant shift in the prosecution of public servants under the PMLA, ensuring that prior sanction is required before legal action can be taken.
- This provision, which is aimed at protecting public servants from undue harassment, has far-reaching consequences for cases where public servants are accused of corruption or financial crimes in the course of their official duties.
- The impact of this ruling will likely unfold in the coming months, as several high-profile cases are tested in courts.
| CARE MCQ | PYQ |
| Q4. Which of the following statements correctly reflects the recent Supreme Court ruling on the prosecution of public servants under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA)?
A) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is exempted from obtaining prior government sanction to prosecute public servants under PMLA. |
Q. The Preamble to the Constitution of India is (2020)
(a) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect (b) not a part of the Constitution and has no legal effect either (c) a part of the Constitution and has the same legal effect as any other part (d) a part of the Constitution but has no legal effect independently of other parts Ans: (d)
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| Answer 4- B
Explanation
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India’s cities, their non-communicable disease burden
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
Why in News
The article highlights the rising health challenges, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs), among marginalized urban populations in India, emphasizing the need for better healthcare policies, community-based solutions, and technological interventions.
Overview
- The article discusses the growing health challenges faced by urban populations in India, particularly the marginalized groups such as informal workers, migrant workers, and people living in slums.
- The focus is on the rising prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)in cities, especially in vulnerable communities, and the need for better implementation of health policies and systems.
- The analysis is framed within the context of India’s urbanization, its socio-economic disparities, and the inefficacies of the current health system.
Health Burden in Urban Areas
- The article highlights how urban marginal communities face a triple health burden:
- Hazardous work environments: Many informal workers, such as drivers, sanitation workers, and others in low-wage jobs, work in unhealthy conditions, often exposed to physical, environmental, and emotional stress.
- Limited health care access: Despite India’s national policies targeting healthcare, marginalized urban communities face severe barriers to accessing adequate health services. There is a lack of affordable and accessible primary healthcare services in urban slums and informal settlements.
- Financial vulnerability: Poor health outcomes often lead to high out-of-pocket (OOP) expenditures on healthcare, pushing these communities further into financial distress. These financial burdens can destabilize families’ livelihoods and worsen their overall health and economic situations.
Increase in NCDs
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes, and obesity have been on the rise in India, especially among urban populations. This increase is alarming because NCDs are silent diseases, often showing no symptoms until they become severe, making early detection and screening crucial.
- NCD screening and awareness: NCDs require regular screening to detect risks early and to prevent escalation. However, many urban workers, particularly in marginalized communities, lack awareness of the importance of screening and preventive care. This results in late diagnoses, higher treatment costs, and greater health risks.
Poor Implementation of Health Policies
- Although India has national non-communicable disease surveillance policies, aimed at early screening and promoting NCD care, these policies have poor implementation at the grassroots level.
- The urban health systems are described as overburdened, fragmented, and broken, largely due to rapid urbanization and poor urban design. This affects the most vulnerable sections of society, who are not able to access the care they need in a timely manner.
Social Determinants of Health (SDoH)
- The article emphasizes the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), which refer to the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, and age, and how these factors influence health outcomes. In marginalized communities, workplace conditions, housing quality, social networks, and economic status all contribute to poor health outcomes.
- Health disparities in these communities are further compounded by migrant status, informal employment, and lack of access to primary healthcare.
Technological Solutions for Health Monitoring
- With the rise of digital technology, there is an opportunity to enhance health monitoring and screening through technology, allowing for real-time health tracking of individuals at risk of NCDs like hypertension and diabetes.
- The potential for community-based health promotion is also explored. By using technology for health education and screening, communities can become more aware of health risks, and people can be encouraged to seek early treatment.
- This approach could also help reduce out-of-pocket health expenditures by providing better knowledge of healthcare pathways and social protection schemes, which would limit financial strain on vulnerable groups.
State-level Action Plans for NCD Care
- The article calls for state-level action plans focused on improving NCD care for marginalized communities. These plans should emphasize:
- Access to primary healthcare for informal workers, migrants, and those living in informal settlements.
- Co-creation of solutions with communities and stakeholders like employers, municipalities, traffic systems, and health departments.
- Community-led NCD surveillance systems, which could play a significant role in early detection and prevention.
- The role of urban local bodies, health departments, and community organizations is critical to ensure that NCD surveillance and care reach marginalized urban settlements.
Health and Migration
- India’s urban population is highly fluid, with significant inter-state migration. Migrants often face additional health challenges due to their transient status and lack of access to healthcare services.
- They are at higher risk of NCDs but are often excluded from health interventions due to their lack of permanent residence status.
- The article highlights that migrant workers represent a large proportion of the urban population and that better health strategies must account for this mobile workforce.
Conclusion:
- The current health policies, though well-intentioned, are failing to reach the urban poor due to poor implementationand lack of access to primary healthcare.
- There is a need for community-based solutions, better health promotion, and use of technologyto empower individuals and communities to take control of their health and reduce the burden of NCDs.
- The focus should be on building healthy cities for all, where access to healthcare is universal and equitable, especially for informal workers, migrants, and slum dwellers.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5 Consider the following statements regarding non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in urban India:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Brominated flame retardants are used in many household products like mattresses and upholstery. Why is there some concern about their use? (2014)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only Ans: (c) |
| Answer 5- C
Explanation
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Plastic treaty talks fail over disagreement on production cuts
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Plastic treaty
Why in News
The recent negotiations in Busan, South Korea, aimed at creating a global framework to tackle plastic pollution ended without a consensus, as nearly 170 countries failed to agree on a comprehensive treaty.
Overview
- On November 26, 2024, a high-level committee, Purpose of the Negotiations
- The negotiations were part of the Intergovernmental Negotiations Committee (INC), which started in 2022. The goal of these talks was to create a legally binding treaty to eliminate plastic pollution globally.
- This treaty was expected to address the entire lifecycle of plastics, including reducing production, regulating problematic plastic products, and minimizing plastic waste through measures like recycling and alternatives.
Challenges in Reaching an Agreement
- The failure to reach an agreement stemmed from differing views among countries regarding how to address plastic pollution. There were two major areas of contention:
- Cutting Plastic Production: One group of countries, including the European Union, argued that a meaningful treaty must address the reduction of plastic production. They advocated for measures that would set targets to cut the production of virgin plastic polymers, which are the raw materials used in making plastics.
- This would reduce plastic waste at its source. However, this idea was vehemently opposed by countries whose economies are closely linked to the petrochemical industry, such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. These nations argued that such measures would hinder economic development, especially in industries centered around oil and plastic production.
- Plastic Alternatives: Another point of disagreement was the regulation of plastic alternatives. Some countries, like India, resisted efforts to regulate the use of plastic alternatives, citing concerns about development needs and the potential economic impact on industries that produce alternatives to plastic.
India’s Position
- India, despite not being a major oil producer, plays a significant role in the production of plastic polymers. Therefore, India opposed any measures that would regulate the production of primary plastic polymers, arguing that such policies would have far-reaching implications for the economic development of countries like India.
- India also emphasized the principle of consensus in multilateral environmental agreements, which requires that all countries agree on decisions, particularly on issues that have substantial economic impacts.
- Furthermore, India has already taken significant domestic measures to address plastic pollution, such as banning short-lived plastic products and implementing an ambitious Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime for plastic packaging. The country is also moving towards sustainable plastic packaging and reducing reliance on virgin plastic materials.
Disagreement Over Specific Targets
- The draft treaty being debated in Busan included year-wise targets until 2040, focusing on phasing out single-use plastics and addressing hazardous chemicals like DEHP, DBP, BBP, and DIBP found in certain plastic products such as toys and food containers.
- However, these targets were also contentious. Several countries, including India, found them unacceptable, arguing that they were too ambitious or unrealistic without considering the socioeconomic implications.
Global Political and Economic Influences
- The talks were influenced by a mix of environmental, political, and economic factors. Some countries, particularly those reliant on the petrochemical industry, saw the treaty’s proposed measures as a threat to their economic interests. Additionally, concerns were raised about how the treaty could potentially affect trade and commercial competition, with some countries fearing that environmental action could be used as a cover for economic agendas, as noted by Saudi Arabian delegates.
- The United States’ political dynamics also played a role in these negotiations. The article mentions that under a future Trump administration, the U.S. might align with countries opposing stricter environmental regulations, potentially shifting the negotiating stance to one of lower ambition.
Concerns About Future Negotiations
- Observers have expressed concerns about the deadlock in these negotiations and the future of the plastic pollution treaty.
- Despite some progress over the years, particularly with growing support for measures such as reducing plastic production, there is skepticism about whether the next round of negotiations will bring substantial changes.
- The involvement of countries like Saudi Arabia, which have been key players in opposing ambitious measures, and the potential shift in U.S. policy, raises doubts about whether a truly meaningful and global agreement can be reached.
- Siddharth Ghanshyam Singh of the Centre for Science and Environment pointed out that while the Chair’s text from the current talks may serve as a basis for future negotiations, the influence of low-ambition countries could undermine efforts to create an ambitious treaty.
Conclusion
- The failure to reach a comprehensive agreement in Busan underscores the complex political, economic, and environmental challenges in addressing plastic pollution.
- The deep divisions between countries over the regulation of plastic production, the use of alternatives, and the need for binding targets highlight the difficulties in crafting a global consensus on environmental issues.
- The decision to resume negotiations next year under a new round (likely called INC-5.2) suggests that while the path to a plastic pollution treaty is fraught with challenges, the global community remains committed to finding solutions—though whether those solutions will be effective and inclusive remains uncertain.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q6 Consider the following statements regarding the recent negotiations on a global plastic pollution treaty in Busan, South Korea:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1, 2, and 3 only |
Q. In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021)
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d)
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| Answer 6- A
Explanation
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